How Childhood Neglect Impacts Romantic Relationships

May 22, 2025

In a captivating discussion, Ruth Cohn, a psychotherapist and expert in trauma and neglect, sheds light on the lasting impacts of childhood neglect on romantic relationships. She shares how emotional development is stunted by a lack of nurturing, affecting intimacy as adults. Ruth introduces mindfulness techniques and trauma processing methods, empowering listeners to heal. By exploring coping mechanisms and fostering open communication, she provides practical tools for nurturing deeper connections in relationships, making it a must-listen for anyone seeking to understand their romantic dynamics.

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INSIGHT

Neglect Feels Like "Nothing" But Matters

Childhood neglect feels like "nothing" but deeply impacts emotional development.
Infants absorb neglect sensorially without narrative memory, shaping lifelong attachment struggles.

INSIGHT

Presence Is Key to Healthy Sexuality

Safety and passion are key for healthy sexuality.
Presence is crucial but often lacking due to modern distractions and dysregulation.

ADVICE

Breathe Together to Restore Calm

Use breathing exercises with your partner to calm the nervous system.
Breathe in for 6 counts and out for 9 to stimulate calm and connection.

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Dr. Tammy sits down with relationship, sex and trauma therapist, Ruth Cohn, to discuss how the trauma of neglect can effect our relationships, and how we can build tools to help ourselves and loved ones heal and develop a more resilient path forward.

OUR GUEST

Ruth Cohn, MFT, is a psychotherapist living and practicing in the San Francisco Bay area. She specializes in working with survivors of trauma and neglect, their intimate partners, and families. She is a Certified Sex Therapist, certified in Neurofeedback, EMDR, Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, and Imago Relationship Therapy.

Ruth is also the author of three books and numerous articles on sexuality, trauma, and neglect. Her books include:

· Working With the Developmental Trauma of Childhood Neglect: Using Psychotherapy and Attachment Theory Techniques in Clinical Practice

· Coming Home to Passion: Restoring Loving Sexuality in Couples With Histories of Childhood Trauma and Neglect

· Out of My Mind: Late Night Contemplations About Trauma and Neglect

DR. TAMMY WANTS TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS about Sex, Love & Relationship and help you with your Trouble with Sex. Send your questions to drtammy@thetroublewithsex.com.

INTERESTED IN BECOMING A CERTIFIED SEX THERAPIST?
Visit ISTI - Integrative Sex Therapy Institute. If you are already a therapist, find out how to receive your AASECT Sex Therapist Certification. Or, elevate your practice in relational psychotherapy by earning the new Certified Sex and Couples Therapist designation (CSCT). AASECT and CSCT renewal and re-certification classes are also offered.

THE TROUBLE WITH SEX RESOURCES, REFERENCES & INFO

IF YOU'RE CONSIDERING OPENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP, CHECK OUT DR. TAMMY'S BOOK - OPEN MONOGAMY!

To read more about how to improve your sex life, check out Dr. Tammy's Getting the Sex You Want: Shed Your Inhibitions and Reach New Heights of Passion Together.

Learn more about love, marriage, infidelity, monogamy and how to redefine your commitment to each other in Dr. Tammy's TEDX talk - The New Monogamy.

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